Pōmaikaʻi Lyman

A soundpiece of the past seems to haunt the soul as you listen to a voice of a young woman that resembles a beloved Aunty Genoa Keawe in her younger years -- Pōmaikaʻi was able to learn and develop the unique style of “haʻi” that her Tutu Genoa Keawe mastered and performed throughout Hawaiʻi and many parts of the world. Now, many who enjoy listening to Genoa Keaweʻs music are pleased to hear that Pōmaikaʻi has continued the honor and kuleana of carrying on this musical tradition and legacy.

 

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Pōmaikaʻi attended Punahou School (ʻ99), then continued on to graduate from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Economics (ʻ03). After returning home from BYU, she married Shane Lyman (Kamehameha Schools ʻ95), and they now have 4 children (Mālie-12, Iosepa-11, Ziona-9, Enosa-8), all of whom have developed their own interest in the family legacy through hula and mele.  All four keiki play the ukulele and sing, while the oldest two have expanded their ability by learning to play the steel guitar (Mālie) and bass (Iosepa) with Kumu Alan Akaka at Ke Kula Mele Hawaiʻi .

 

After her passing in 2008, Pōmaikaʻi continued her grandmotherʻs weekly gig at the Moana Terrace (Waikiki Beach Marriott), taking it into its 20th anniversary before the Keawe ʻOhana serenaded guests for the last time in June 2016.  In addition to being an ukulele teacher for Punahou School and  Music Mentor for the Cyril Pahinui and Mana Maoli Foundations, she also manages a team of music educators in the Performing Arts Academy each summer at Kamehameha Schools.  Her passion for Hawaiian Music, Language, and Culture is eminent in her constant desire to uplift and strengthen Hawaiʻiʻs youth.  Though she has not released a solo album yet, she has recorded on a few anthology albums with many of Hawaiʻiʻs finest musicians.  Hawaiian Music has always and continues to be a very large part of her life and legacy within her home.